WHYISLAM.IN I E-source to know, understand and follow the true faith, to achieve peace in this life and hereafter. The life style, accepted in the sight of Almighty, the knowledge of true faith based on facts, logic and literature revealed by the Creat

﻿﻿Taqwa - A State of
Submission
Taqwa is an Arabic
word which is explained as a shield against wrongdoing and further expounded as
to be “conscious of Allah” or to have “fear of Allah” or to be “cautiously
aware of Allah”.
The origin of the word
Taqwa is from the Arabic root letters wa’ ka’ ya (meaning shield)
and its verb is from the word “Ittaki”. Ittaki means to be
careful or to be protected or to be cautious. Taqwa is an internal
compass on the path that leads towards Allah. The broader meaning and character
of Taqwa is to develop one’s behavior, so as to be cautiously aware in
the worship of Allah and attain nearness to Him and in so doing, perfect
oneself.
This consciousness and
fear of Allah is understood as a protection and a shield against wrongdoing.
The abstention of evil through this fear, consciousness and establishing a
cautious awareness of Allah, ultimately develops one’s love of Him.
The universal
principle of submission to the Divine Will is beautifully expressed in the
character of one who is a servant of Allah, known as an “Abd-Allah”
which is an ideal state of Taqwa.
Abu Darda (R) said:
“From the completion of Taqwa is that the servant fears from His Lord
even with regards to things, the weight of an atom." Abu Darda's advice
for servants who wish to accomplish a character of 'taqwa' should fear to
commit the smallest of sins.
The messenger of Allah
said in a Hadith, reported in the Sahih Muslim that, “Taqwa is here”,
and he pointed to his chest.
Taqwa is profoundly
explained in a discussion between 'Umar and Ka'b who were companions of the
prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him.
'Umar asked Ka'b the
meaning of 'taqwa,' as Ka'b was renowned for his deep understanding of the
Qur'an Al Kareem.
Kaab (R) then inquired
from Umar (R), whether he had walked through a thorny bush path with his cloak.
Umar (R) replied that he had done so on numerous occasions. Kaab (R) asked Umar
(R) to describe his movements through this thorny path. Umar (R) replied that
he moved very cautiously, so as not to tear his clothing. Kaab (R) said that
was the description and the meaning of Taqwa.
The path that
inculcates and embraces a character of Taqwa is one that must be
carefully and cautiously treaded. On this path one must be completely aware of
oneself and one’s surroundings, to be disciplined with the correct action and
behavior which will achieve one’s closeness to Allah.
Taqwa is one of the
most profound concepts in Islam. It is an avenue by which Muslims relate to one
another in society and a means to channel actions for the pleasure of Allah.
Possessors of Tawqa are called Al-Muttaqun or Muttaqeen.
The following verse
of the Qur`an Surah 2 Al Bakarah, Verse 183 confirms that Taqwa is for everyone
and not for a select group:“O
you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those
before you, so that you may attain Taqwa.”This verse
confirms two points. Firstly, that fasting is for everyone and secondly, that
the development and attaining of Taqwa is an essential part for all who aspire
for tranquility and a contented heart. To establish Taqwa is for the rich and
the poor, the knowledgeable and the uneducated, the leader and the follower,
the ruler and the ruled, the old and the young, the man and the women. All must
develop and enhance Taqwa.The most honored
in the sight of Allah is the believer with the most Taqwa, i.e. the most
conscious and aware of Him.The Glorious
Qur`an illustrates this in Surah 49 Al Hujurat (the Inner Apartments), Verse
13:“O
mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made
you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may
despise (each other). Verily the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is
(he who is) the most righteous of you (Muttaqi). And Allah has full knowledge
and is well acquainted (with all things).”The ideal
Islamic society is a Taqwa conscious society, conferring its highest respect on
those considered to be high in Taqwa.Though Taqwa is
a state of the heart, we cannot judge the Taqwa of others, but many aspects of
Taqwa will have a reflection in their character and behavior. The Qur`an
though, prohibits anyone from claims of self-purity.In Surah 53 An
Najm (The Clans), Verse 32 reminds us that:“Hold
not yourself purified. Allah knows best who has Taqwa.”“Hold not yourself purified. Allah knows
best who has Taqwa.”In Islam there
is only one Shari'ah (Divine Law) and one scale of righteousness for everyone
and that is measured through a character of Taqwa.The word Taqwa
has been mentioned 151 times in the Noble Qur`an. Allah has taken us through
the various aspects of His Guidance and Blessings in the Glorious Qur`an. The
Qur`anic descriptions of Taqwa are so precise and distinct that it is an
indication of the importance of the involvement of this concept in the life of
Muslims. These numerous verses elaborate the different dynamics and dimensions
of inner meanings of Taqwa that enables Muslims to be an ideal and a living
example as a vicegerent of Allah.The four verses
in Surah 2 Al Bakarah Verse 2-5 summarizes the guiding principle in the Noble
Qur`an for the people of Taqwa:2.
This is the Book; in it is guidance sure, without doubt, to those who fear (or
are conscious) of Allah (Taqwa).3.
Who believe in the Unseen, are steadfast in prayer, and spend out of what We
have provided for them;4.
And who believe in the Revelation sent to you, and sent before your time, and
(in their hearts) have the assurance of the Hereafter.5.
They are on (true) guidance, from their Lord, and it is these who will prosper.The Muttaqun are
those that believe, fear Allah and look to what He has ordained in carrying out
His actions to avoid His displeasure and sadness. These people are involved and
active in his/her life with the Ummah (the Muslim community), concerned with
the affairs of humanity, whilst at the same time praying , fasting, spending in
Allah’s cause, having good morals, are forgiving and just. All these
descriptions can be attributed to a person who has Taqwa and will be assured
and successful in the Hereafter.Hence, for the
moral development and correct behavior of a good Muslim it necessary that he
strictly analyze and establish his Taqwa, but never claims to be a possessor of
it.﻿﻿

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.